With a strong crew, a family sets out on an excursion around Truro’s Pamet Harbor. In Provincetown, Mike Winkler’s crane service places Flyer’s shuttle in the water. Boating is allowed […]
News
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RECOVERY
Gauging Town’s Population Key to Reopening
Balancing occupancy against health resources requires knowing who’s here
PROVINCETOWN — The town’s Recovery Coalition is working on a phased reopening of Provincetown’s economy that depends on knowing how many people are here. That won’t be easy.
QUIET SUMMER
No July 4 Fireworks; Parade Permits Are Rescinded
Business survey finds strong support for precautions
PROVINCETOWN — With a flat tone and zero arguments, the select board on Monday rescinded parade permits and banned the use of town property through Dec. 31, in effect canceling […]
THE UNCOUNTED
Outer Cape Census Response Is Among Lowest in State
Those with P.O. boxes haven’t received forms or instructions
The self-reported response to the U.S. Census from the Outer Cape has been extremely low so far — under 25 percent for all four towns. Truro’s rate is the second […]
THEATER COMPANIES
Wellfleet Theaters Postpone Live Shows Till 2021
Provincetown companies likely to follow
WELLFLEET — After the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater announced on May 5 that it was postponing its entire 2020 season of productions until 2021 due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the […]
STICKER SHOCK
Wellfleet Board Sets Beach Restrictions
WELLFLEET — In an effort to reduce crowding on town beaches, Wellfleet is moving the start date for requiring beach parking stickers forward 30 days, to May 20. And only […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
DMF Lifts Gear and Speed Restrictions in Bay
Right whales have departed, but two blues are seen
PROVINCETOWN — The much quieter than normal waterfront businesses are anxiously waiting to see what Gov. Baker does with the current stay-at-home and social distancing policies. It has given boat […]
AQUACULTURE
OysterFest Is off the Table
Economic hit estimated at over $2 million
WELLFLEET — This town’s signature day will be missing in 2020 due to fears about the spread of Covid-19. The select board voted on April 28 to ban public uses […]
ECONOMY
Small Businesses Seeking to Reopen Face Obstacles
Problems remain with health rules, staffing, and government assistance
PROVINCETOWN — Bringing a business back from a dead standstill is hard enough. But the problems surrounding that effort during the Covid epidemic are so fiendishly interwoven, they resemble the […]
FROM A DISTANCE
Eastham Elementary Works to Maintain Connections
A parent group organizes interactions that matter to kids and adults
EASTHAM — Elementary students and teachers won’t be returning to school this year, but the community is trying to help make the most of the situation. There were cheerful waves […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, May 12, included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
RESILIENCE
High Schools Plan to Celebrate Their Seniors
With a little help from a friend
WELLFLEET — Schools are shut for the rest of this term, at least, but that doesn’t mean Outer Cape high school seniors and their families won’t have a chance to […]
DEVELOPMENT
ZBA Backs Commissioner’s Duplex Ruling
A builder argues that his Route 6 project is really townhouses
EASTHAM — Developer Tim Klink of Coastal Companies failed to persuade the zoning board of appeals on May 7 to overrule the building commissioner’s decision that Klink’s proposed 16-unit Route […]
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Town Meeting Delay Stalls Housing Progress
Water main upgrade, a first step, needs voter approval
WELLFLEET — Officials are pumping the brakes on the 95 Lawrence Road affordable housing project due to the delay of town meeting. The use of town-owned land at that location, […]
AT THE LIBRARY
Curbside Pickup for Books Is Coming
Eastham Public Library gears up for an online summer
EASTHAM — The town’s library closed to the public exactly two months ago, but staff have been busy providing online options for patrons and planning for the day when the […]
